Baroque table clocks

Table clock refers to a special type of clock that first made its appearance in the 16th century. The invention of the clockspring in the second half of the 15th century made it possible to make table clocks, eliminating the need for weights and thus the need to hang clocks on the wall or have them fixed on a shelf. Now small clocks could be made which could stand on a table and be carefully moved around.

Table clocks first appeared in Germany and Poland, but they were later also made in Denmark. The first Danish table clocks from the mid-16th century – known as ‘tårnure’ (tower clocks) – can be seen at both the National Museum of Denmark and Rosenborg Castle. Before long, another type of table clock in a flat case saw the light of day. Initially, they were square, and then round, and in c.1700, hexagonal cases became all the rage.

The most characteristic feature of these table clocks is that the clock face is horizontal and not covered with glass. As the minute hand was not invented until the end of the 17th century, the oldest table clocks only have one hand. The clockwork is ingeniously executed and it goes without saying that only the most well-to-do families could afford clocks such as these.

Today, old table clocks are coveted collectibles and not something you see at our auctions all that often. It therefore gives us great pleasure to be able to offer two of them at our anniversary auction.

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